Cranford (2007) s02e02 Episode Script

It is Peggy I feel so very sorry for.
I fear she has no friends.
There are people enough who wish to see things changed.
I count myself among them.
William says he will be an engineer or nothing.
I will not allow it.
The railway has not proved to be of worth.
It has made no mark on our town, Mr.
Buxton.
Good.
I should rather be an attorney.
There's money to be made.
My father liked your brother very much.
And you have quite captured Erminia's fancy.
Do I have to go back? Your schooling is Mr.
Carter's gift to you.
The railway will come into the heart of Cranford! Captain Brown! Without my cooperation, the railway's plans are void.
If the railway's not coming, then I can't stay.
"The young desire progress, "and if we stunt them, "they will seek a richer soil.
"I have arranged a private excursion "I only beg that we should examine all things.
" I will sell my land.
I cannot permit my prejudice to stand in the way of the railway.
- Peggy Bell.
- Yes? Will you please be my wife? It never occurred to me that Mr.
William would take any interest in one such as you.
You have no charm! And he has at least £4,000 a year.
Father, I sat up waiting for you last night, there is something I must say.
I got home after two! Captain Brown took me to dine with Sir Charles Maulver.
He had a seat in Parliament before the Whigs got in But Father and was full of advice as to how you might proceed.
Are you sure it's all right to call? We have not been invited.
We may call when we wish! - We need no invitations.
- Mother! Of course, he's your fiance.
Now our families are one.
We are to be related, a different etiquette applies.
We might even visit quite outside the usual hours, and still be met with open arms! Though we ought to take pains to look gracious.
When Peggy is mistress, that house will be our home! I should think they are getting the silver from the sideboard! They certainly have a deal of it.
Hallmarks on everything even the salts and peppers.
Peggy will forget what pewter is! I am an old dog new tricks grind my bones, send me slinking to my basket.
I didn't see the value of the railway, but Sir Charles says many men have exploited its development.
My passion is for engineering, Father.
I have no interest in politics! And that is your error.
You are a gentleman, just like Sir Charles.
If you play your cards correctly, you may yet end up a baronet.
Mrs.
Bell, Miss Bell, and Mr.
Bell, sir.
Sir! We have cause to shake each other's hands, it seems.
- The developments please you? - I surmised what would happen.
Yes, the pace has been rapid, that is the modern way.
Though they have already faced me with a shocking lot of paperwork.
My dear Peggy! You have a hint of the high-day about your trimmings.
You must be destined for somewhere pleasant.
But I will not quiz you on it, lest I make you blush.
You should employ an agent, sir.
I advised you of that before.
You were correct.
I have lawyers in Manchester, but they're out to confound me.
If you will deal with them for me, we shall see how we both fare.
Sir! I shall give you my best.
What say you to that, Mrs.
Bell? I bless the day Miss Matty arranged for us to meet.
We must make her guest of honour at the wedding! I have been told nothing of a wedding.
Swansdown.
One gust from the funnel, and it would be off! Miss Galindo.
You will be obliged to reconfigure all your patterns! Now the railway is upon us, we require more robust millinery.
Guiseppe will have milk brought in a saucer, with a Savoy biscuit mixed well in.
We left the house before he had his second breakfast.
Whatever provoked such haste? A letter, Miss Galindo, from my sister in law! She plans a journey from her home in Scotland.
From Friday of this week, I shall be hostess to Lady Glenmire! I have a delightful array of caps, they are newly in from Nottingham.
Caps? You have not had a new bonnet in an age! Miss Galindo, if you could hand me the hat with the chartreuse ribbon.
It looks so very delicate, next to Miss Pole's face.
I am almost afraid to post this letter.
Jem will scarcely have arrived at Bolton.
And to hear about the railway may distress him! Jem has made his decision, Miss Matty.
And you have helped set Cranford on its future path.
You must not look back, lest the perspective makes no sense.
I am not accustomed to behaving so decisively.
I, for one, have been inspired by your actions.
I have had this wrapped and stamped for days, and lacked the courage to put it in the post, but your gesture yesterday, has tempered my resolve.
Mary dear, whatever are you about? I have completed an article of writing.
And am sending it out, in the hope of publication.
Oh, that's remarkable! Article of writing! Is it a recipe? No, Miss Matty, it is not.
And a letter for your fiance! You are wonderfully diligent.
There.
You will regret letting the mail coach go, when you hear what I must say! - We are in receipt of news! - Is it about the railway? The railway is not news.
But you like Peggy! She has often been our guest! Oh, she's good for a cup of tea in Cranford.
But you need a cultivated wife! You have money, and now connections through the railway.
You should befriend the nobility, and dine in houses of high standing.
That is how England is governed.
I have no desire to involve myself in government! Which frees me to marry where my heart leads.
- Have you never thought of Erminia? - Erminia? She is a most superior girl.
- I have long cherished hope - Father It seems to me that you took as many liberties in planning my future as you did with your son! You don't want to marry me, do you Erminia? No.
I do not.
I was orphaned young, and went to school in Brussels.
I have been unfortunate enough.
I fancy you fashioned a scheme for my fortune, just as you did for my person.
But I shall spend my money and my youth as my parents hoped, in pursuit of my own contentment.
Meanwhile, William means to do the same, and cares not what grief he causes! I do not exist only to thwart or please you! I proposed to Peggy Bell because I love her.
You loved where you wished! And for that reason and no other, if my mother were here, she would give her blessing.
I am not an admirer of the Scotch, but in circumstances such as these I might venture a tartan ribbon! Her Ladyship would deem that a compliment, I'm sure! We have some splendid plaids in stock, dress lengths and curtain widths.
Now that her Majesty has visited the Highlands, she entertains no other pattern.
- Have you any turbans? - Not in tartan.
You are not still in pursuit of a turban? I think it's a most attractive form of headdress! You should invest in fresh mittens.
It's your hands she will look at when we are all at cards! Cards! Cards.
You say it as though it is all so simple.
How are we to converse across the baize? She is the widow of a Baron! How must she be addressed? When Mrs.
Johnson and I were at Harrogate, we made the acquaintance of a baroness.
Our intercourse was exceedingly civil.
And she said we might address her as Lady Jephson, or Your Ladyship.
Once accustomed to such company, one finds the cordialities trip lightly off the tongue.
I have sent for my trunk, and have written to my friend Maria.
If she will have me, I will go there, before I'm made as vexed as everybody else.
He will not be my master, Erminia! If you want his respect, you must earn it.
And if you want freedom, you must earn that too.
Peggy merits his regard.
I have never been so moved by anyone, as I am by her.
So you must demonstrate her value! Walk away from his money, and labour for your own.
That is easily said, by one with charge of her own purse! And if it is not easily done, does that mean it must not be attempted? I am sorry, I am not used to being crossed.
No, you are not.
But I am glad that you are tried, your path has been too smooth, and you were on your way to being quite imperious.
I didn't take you for a matchmaker, Miss Matty.
It would appear you are as effective as you are discreet.
- A matchmaker? - My son and Peggy Bell! Engaged to be married, and united in their insolence.
He won't renege on it, in spite of my displeasure.
If it weren't for your meddling, they would never have met.
He would stand the chance of something better.
Do you suggest that Peggy is not good enough for William? I beg you You are in no position to beg except for my forgiveness.
You did a fine day's work yesterday, Miss Matty.
I shall leave you to reflect upon your actions.
But Mr.
Buxton, if they love each other Love? What do you know of love, to offer it up as if it is the final word? Engineering is a fierce new animal.
It grows and sprawls beyond our grasp.
It's not like Eton, or Cambridge, I cannot stand before a blackboard and lecture in a gown.
I would rather learn through observation, sir.
If you put me with the workers, I would set my shoulder to the wheel.
I can only offer you the rudest apprenticeship, Mr.
Buxton, as a supernumerary with my surveying team.
You'll need a keen eye, and a thick greatcoat.
I fear, sir, that I may need board and lodging also.
My mother's great concern is for Edward.
I must not enrage Mr.
Buxton any further, lest he withdraws his help.
So she forbids me to see William, and I must not write to him.
Do you intend to remain engaged? Yes, we do.
We could not meet with ease, even if it was allowed.
He must work now, his hours are not his own.
So I have hidden a lunch-pail in the gorse-bush, and it must do duty as our letterbox.
See? There was a saying in my youth, when gorse is out of blossom, then kissing's out of fashion.
Well, it is out of fashion now.
There is not one bud to be seen, and nor will there be for many, many months.
My Uncle Pole once spent several nights at Edinburgh, and he informs me that the most appropriate beverage for Her Ladyship is whisky.
Whisky? Mary, you are very gauche! It is not illegal any more.
Meanwhile, I am planning an evening entertainment.
I thought perhaps cutlets, and cold brawn moulded to resemble a roast boar! You should put an orange in his mouth.
Is there still no proper maid? We will be rattling the latch and shouting "Coo-ee" soon like callers at a cottage! Now.
I am come to say I should not like you to feel the least anxiety about the forthcoming visit of Lady Glenmire.
Indeed, it may soothe you to hear that calls are not expected! That could not be countenanced before three days have passed.
She will feel very frail, after travelling from Scotland.
I fear you mistake my meaning.
It would be preferable if you did not call at all.
I anticipate approaches from county families, and expect that we shall dine at Arley Hall.
But Cranford wishes to welcome her! Surely there will be an opportunity for cards? Lady Glenmire is accustomed to the best of company.
She must not be misled, and believe that I am not.
I shall not incommode you further.
Well! It is fitting she left in that shifty, precipitate manner, for I am sure I was about to say something quite sharp and sarcastic.
I always thought that we had been the best of company.
To one another, at the very least! She will have cause to rue this day! As will Mr.
Johnson, when I take the whisky back.
A purchase in a shop can be undone, but an unjust slight is not so easily reversed.
It seems to me that we must protect ourselves from any further hurt.
And that is best done if we do not acknowledge Lady Glenmire in any way! Pleasure that can never cloy Thus provided, pardoned, guided Nothing can our peace destroy Amen.
Bertha! Mount these hassocks.
What does Her Ladyship have on? - Good morning.
- My sister in-law.
A plaid shawl.
And a black silk.
She looks like Mrs.
Deekes, from down the Coach And Horses.
Lady Glenmire professes herself to be quite enchanted with the countryside.
Mrs.
Jamieson.
You have a guest this day! My sister in law, Lady Glenmire.
Captain Brown.
That is a Campbell tartan, is it not, my lady? Why, yes, sir! My husband's family were members of that clan.
Mary, is that not your step-mamma's carriage? Yes, Miss Matty.
I'm afraid it is.
- A broken engagement! - Oh, Mary! Mary.
Thank you, Miss Matty, for your evident distress.
Mary is clearly indifferent to the anguish she has caused.
My error was in agreeing to marry Mr.
Turnbull.
Now I have found the courage to admit it, I must confess I feel quite calm.
Calm! When she has spurned a man who has just patented his soap flakes! Mary, dear.
Surely you care for Mr.
Turnbull! I do care for Mr.
Turnbull.
I do not care for him enough.
Oh, spare me the fancies of the schoolroom.
You, who purport to be so mature and perspicacious! You even had your poor papa convinced, posturing about in your spectacles and that checked dress, and wasting his money on ink and paper all the while.
Writing is the only skill I have! It is not a convenient gift for a woman.
It requires solitude and application.
Marriage would deprive me of the chance of both.
Now I can retain my independence, and at least discover if my work is worth pursuing.
You are not independent! Your father pays you a most generous allowance.
It is my share of my own mother's fortune.
If I marry, it will all become my husband's.
It is a dreadful thing, Mary, to withdraw a promise! You inspired me to do this! I did as you suggested, when you urged your friends to travel on the railway.
I examined all things.
I have arranged the transfer of the Tinden Cottage deeds as soon as Mr.
Buxton has been paid.
Notice to quit will be given today, so demolition may proceed within four weeks.
You are effectual, I grant you that.
I undertook to move swiftly.
If I have achieved that, I am glad.
£160, for Mr.
Buxton, as agreed.
- Soil sample, sir.
- Oh, thank you.
Edward? Er, there looks to be a seam of chalk, running through Tinden Edge.
It might be limestone, this isn't sufficient to tell.
- You shall have to go back, with your shovel.
- Sir.
What does it say? What does it say?! - Are we to be evicted? - Yes.
- In 28 days.
- Harry chose us that house! It's his name on the rent book! - Will you write to him? - Most certainly.
Can you get word to your husband? I could send him a message, by carrier's cart.
You may count it at your leisure.
- Have you the deeds to hand? - I do.
On the bureau.
I put them there in readiness.
Sign your name here, please, a little above mine.
My tenants will be re-housed? It is all in hand, sir.
The senior partner has entrusted me with all the documents.
He thinks well of you, doesn't he? He did suggest that if I could fund my way, he might invite me to serve my articles.
And is that a very costly thing to do? Mother! Mother! Take these glasses.
They were your father's, the cut of the crystal is good.
Peggy, fetch a cloth to wrap them in.
Once you revealed your marriage plans, I did not think I'd keep Buxton's favour.
But instead, he showers me with benevolence! It'll cost a pretty pound to put me through my articles.
I think it is not so much a mark of his fondness for you, but of his anger with William.
Yes.
Well, that is your fault, and your fiance's folly.
I'll need the chart by noon tomorrow, we've been losing time.
Madam? Is something amiss? Guiseppe's legs have given way.
I've been here quarter of an hour and I cannot raise him.
He does not snarl at me.
It's a most alarming sign.
I persuaded Mrs.
Jamieson a stroll would aid his health! He has become so portly even a circuit of the parlour makes him wheeze.
He refuses to respond.
He may fear that recovery means a resumption of his walk.
Captain Brown.
That is wonderfully done! I wish you would remain.
If you are not to be welcome in Manchester, I would so very much like you to consider this your home! Cranford has been my haven, but my intention is to write.
I must seek new places and a wide society.
But to live in a lodging house! In London! Breaking my engagement took a deal of courage, and now, not even London has the power to terrify.
I would rather see you to your door, but we should not let Mrs.
Jamieson guess at Guiseppe's adventures.
I must say it has been a lively afternoon! Until today I have been very dull.
I did hope for society with the ladies of the town, for I had a cloistered time of it whilst my husband ailed, but no-one has called and we have received no invitations.
The ladies of Cranford are most welcoming to strangers.
Something's surely gone awry.
Or been put so, perhaps, by your hostess.
And so we find ourselves invited to a Halloween gathering! Written in Lady Glenmire's own hand.
"To honour the anniversary of Mrs.
Jamieson's marriage!" I think we're all agreed on how we should proceed.
If you bring your knitting across that evening we can decline in unison, with the excuse that we are previously engaged.
You don't intend to go? Mrs.
Jamieson injured all of us.
So we agreed to ignore her guest! I cannot deny that I was vexed, but we ought not invest them with the power to upset us for a fortnight.
Miss Matty has not mentioned it, but she has a cold.
She sneezed twice, just prior to your arrival.
In which case, Miss Matty, we will hire you the sedan.
And has Her Ladyship been recently at court? Bless you, Miss Pole! I never went there in my life! I was one of five daughters and my father lacked the means.
Then I married a baron and found him positioned likewise! Besides, I have heard indifferent reports of it.
Cards are never played and there is no refreshment offered! That will be Prince Albert's doing.
He is said to be proud of his Spartan inclinations.
Mrs.
Jamieson, did I see Mulliner take off with the blackberry wine? It was a gift, from Mrs.
Forrester.
Mr.
Jamieson abhorred strong drink! Well, Mr.
Jamieson is not here to compromise our pleasure.
Mulliner must fetch it in, and my plum cake too, that he took into his pantry.
I have left a jack-o'-lantern to fend off witches! Oh, Halloween! I think it foolish superstition and a woeful waste of turnip! Splendidly said, Lady Glenmire! There is no such thing as evil spirits and thus no need to fend them off! But one hears such tales of ghosts and fairies.
The curtain lifts between the worlds tonight! Here comes Mulliner! He cares not for All Souls Eve.
Last year, he was in the lane attending to Guiseppe's dainty needs when he saw a young mother in the shadow by the greensward.
She carried an infant, wrapped in a shawl.
As he passed her, she stepped forth, holding up the babe as if for his inspection.
In the blanket lay a severed head.
When he looked up, there was naught above the mother's neck but sinew.
Roughly hewn.
The barometer did not foretell of fog! And the absence of moonlight is to be deplored.
Perhaps it is good that the mist is so thick! I am sure we do not wish to see anything disagreeable! - It is but bats, I am quite certain! - Bats? They are just diabolically large! We cannot match your vigour! Please! I must insist you do not jolt Miss Matty so! Resume a walking speed and we will furnish you an extra shilling! "My beloved Peggy "I write with ink I begged from the cartographer "and dry my boots by coals filched from the engine yard.
"I steal these moments from my work.
"The first charts are completed, "but I have so much still to learn.
"Land can be measured.
"The love I have for you cannot.
"It is unchartered country "and the map that I must live by" Peggy "Meanwhile, our wedding day hangs far off, "like a bright flag suspended in the fog.
"I have fixed my eyes to it, "but there are days when its distance seems beyond my calculation "and I miss you, "more than any words can say.
" Peggy?! How indulgent we are in the middle of the day! This is a very fine liqueur! And to think the Scots manufacture it from grain! I find it is as medicinal as brandy.
It is such a pleasure, too, to have Mr.
Jenkyns' as company! What does happen to all the gentlemen in Cranford? No sooner does a man settle here than he finds business takes him all the week to Manchester.
Or, there are those such as I, so enamoured of the town that they must wander all England fervently seeking replication of its charms.
Spadille! I concede there is little here to jollify the stouter sex.
Or, indeed, any diversion for the young! Is there no public room for dancing? or a place where an orchestra might play? Lady Glenmire, Cranford is not lacking in facilities.
We will show you the Assembly Rooms.
Matches were made in this chamber once.
Hearts were torn asunder too and great larks were had as a result of it.
We should clear the dust by dancing the cotillion as we were wont to do in youth! Mr.
Jenkyns was the most diligent of partners.
Do look at this, I believe it's a dance card.
To whom does it belong? Can you make out the owner? The pencil is very faded but whoever she was, she was partnered in the quadrille with a Mr.
Whisset? I see she danced with a Mr.
Buxton, too! And, for the Roger de Coverley and the lancers and the pavane she was engaged by a Mr.
Holbrook.
That is my name sketched in across the top.
It is very faint now.
But though it is a charming chamber, I fear its glories are beyond retrieval.
I do not remember such a mottled patina.
They are the specks of age.
I fear they cannot be erased.
Candlelight was always kind.
It polished the glass and the faces captured there.
I try so hard to encourage him when I write in reply! If he abandons the struggle, I fear I will be abandoned too.
You are the very reason he chose this path! I know it.
That is why I am afraid and, although he writes, we have not met in these four weeks.
One day you will cherish every word of these.
They will be evidence of what you have endured.
Take them back and put them in a place of safety.
There is no place of safety, Miss Matty.
At least, not in my home.
My husband says that he's set up grinding knives.
He wants us to go to him and I've found us a drover who will take us.
The grinding machine's mounted on a wagon.
We'll pass through Cranford, once in a while.
Mrs.
Gregson, make no move in haste! I wrote to Harry of your plight, but clearly my letter has been delayed.
I was wrong to ask you to do that.
I do not wish to be a charge upon my child.
People must look at me and think me wretched, but I do not wish I'd made another choice and that is why I must leave and go where I am bid.
"We are going on quite well.
"My sister has cropped Tilly's hair.
"The curls were too long for the bristles of the brush.
"I've sent a lock to you.
"It is quite the colour that Martha's was.
" Mrs.
Forrester? I am correct! Your posture seemed forlorn.
I had hoped my distress was not apparent! Bessie is like a child to me, if she saw my tears, she will surely weep herself! What has occurred to make you so unhappy? Oh, Miss Matty! Bessie has been turned out of her field! It's in the way of the railway and I must take her to graze on common land! Good morning, sir.
You're even more than punctual today.
I confess I am relieved to see you.
Ginger snaps! They are dear Lady Glenmire's favourite! Are we not to see your relative today? Lady Glenmire has made her own arrangements.
I know not what they are.
I had no notion she was so sociable.
She has enlivened us all and surely we are glad of it? But now even Captain Brown intends to entertain! This Saturday evening! Oh, I see you too have received a card of invitation.
We have had one apiece! He may wear a beaver hat but he's little better than a navvy! What's happening? Oh! I spy a wedding cart.
A wedding! There has been no news of such a thing! Who can it be? If this is some species of sport, it is utterly repugnant! Two people our own age, married! Oh, it is coming very near! She might have thought herself safe, in Cranford.
I was inspired to interview the owner of the hire cart.
They were married this morning.
No banns were called and a special licence was applied for.
Mr.
William Buxton was a witness.
Lady Glenmire's new tippet, in teal blue, came from Johnson's.
It was a fringed Flemish velvet and I helped her to select it on the Tuesday of last week.
What did she say it was for? Church.
It is an insult to all Cranford, to be so devious! Asking us to an evening party with no intimation whatever of its purpose! It is the custom of Cranford, to call upon a bride It is not the custom to call upon a traitor! Who has been betrayed? The Baron Glenmire's memory has been betrayed! If my sister-in-law must dash her pedigree against the stones, and set up home in a hovel that fronts the street, she cannot expect any sanction from me! I will not condone this marriage and I shall bar my door to everyone who chooses to acknowledge it! But Lady Glenmire is Mrs.
Jamieson's relative! And she and Captain Brown are both our friends.
And transparency held no sway in either case! Why should we oblige them with our blessing? Because they have found affection in each other.
If they care not for their unequal station there is every likelihood that they will thrive.
Do not imagine their happiness concerns me! They may suffer marriage as they courted.
In isolation and behind closed doors! Miss Galindo! I must ask you a question about Harry and phrase it very plainly.
Have you had any word from him? Not for these three weeks, or possibly nearer four.
I'm posting a letter to him.
You may spare yourself the postage.
I have heard from his headmaster.
Harry has run away from school.
I think the navvies have been paid today! I saw extra barrels being rolled into the George! I brought butter, as a wedding gift, paddled in a shape that marks the day.
But it's been crushed by a boy who bussed me and was not in any way sincere! I wrote to Mrs.
Jamieson, asking her to join us, but I fear she stands firm.
There has been no word.
We rang Miss Pole's door and the bell remained unanswered.
Miss Matty? Oh! William.
The bride and groom have despatched me to escort you to their home! I spy the sedan! This must be Mrs.
Jamieson! Do assist her, William.
Just as I had hoped.
Surely they are mostly air My mother pines for my brother, now he works in Manchester.
It was Miss Matty who secured my invitation.
Edward sometimes comes home on a Saturday, she knew my mother would not come.
I had feared that our trials might thin your cheeks or fade you, but your eyes shine brighter than they ever did before.
It is all the walking to our letterbox.
And so many candles are lit tonight.
Is it harder than you thought? I think perhaps it is harder than you thought.
I did not know what work was.
Now I do.
And I know what it is to want a thing that you must wait for.
Your poor hand.
It is only a blister from my calculating wheel.
I have its twin.
I did it with the smoothing iron.
See? We are equals at last.
We have always been equals.
Love makes people so.
"In came the musician and tuned like 50 stomachache.
"In came Mrs.
Fezziwig, one vast substantial smile "In came the three Miss Fezziwigs and then singly, and in pairs, "the six young men whose hearts they had broken.
"In they came, one after the other and away they all danced.
"Then there were games, and there was cake, "and there was a great cold roast "and there were mince pies and plenty of beer.
" I have vowed to read a passage to Mrs.
Brown each night when we retire! As I was a-walking one morning By chance I heard a maid making her moan I asked why she sighed and she sadly replied Alas, I must live all alone, alone Alas, I must live all alone I said, my fair maid, whence pray have you strayed And are you some distance from home? My home replied she, is a burden to me For there I must live all alone, alone For there I must live all alone Oh, come back from sea, my dear one to me And make me a bride of your own! Or else for your sake, my poor heart it will break And here I shall lie all alone, alone And here I shall lie All alone What's that, sir? I am very much afraid it is a radish carved by my spouse into an ornamental form.
I am putting things in order for next Monday's demolition.
- The Tinden End cottages? - Yes.
Now, you advanced the money to Edward Bell and he was to fetch and deliver the deeds, but he has not done so, so we cannot knock them down.
Mr.
Buxton Did you sign the deeds, and did you give them to Edward Bell? I did both things in exchange for the money from the railway company.
So you did receive our payment? Of course.
It was proffered in sovereigns.
A full 100 of them.
Less two I gave to pay the cook, I being late for Michaelmas Day.
£100? The price charged to our company was 60 more than that.
I suggest you tread with care.
If you proceed with this line of suspicion, you besmirch the name of a promising young man! Hello? Mum? Malachi? Mam?! Well, Master Gregson.
Perhaps I should not be surprised you walk in here so bold and smiling, for all the anxiety has been felt by others! I've got nowhere else to go.
I thought you would be a little glad to see me.
I'm shaking, Edward.
And so are you.
Why aren't you in Manchester? You must help me, Peggy.
I am not an ogre, Harry, but I am extremely dismayed.
Your headmaster was alarmed by your departure and wrote in a very angry tone.
That sounds like him.
You have been unpunctual, ill-disciplined and fallen behind in your studies.
It's not like when I used to learn with you! The teachers write and only want that you copy.
There is a very fine system in place at Shrewsbury which is why Mr.
Carter wanted you to go there.
He wanted me to go there because it was near my home! Which is not a home any more, now it's got nobody in it.
All the more reason for you to return to school.
Despite your eventual wealth, you have a hard route through the world.
I like that, "eventual wealth.
" That is sufficient, Harry! Harry, your money is held in trust until you are 21, that was Mr.
Carter's particular intent.
Mr.
Carter is dead! And I hate him being so.
Not because I miss him, but because I cannot make him change his mind! Harry! Harry! Harry! You will cease this abominable display! Leave me alone! You'll only do what he tells you! Harry What has been done to you? I need brandy! How much money is missed and when did they perceive it? Peggy, do not try him with your questions! See how he trembles.
I am sure they are mistaken, you are adept with all the modern ways of keeping books! You must go to Mr.
Buxton.
He has been your benefactor and should not hear of this from others.
But he must bathe first and ply his razor! There is no time.
It is Mr.
Buxton and Captain Brown is with him.
Edward cannot be located, Mrs.
Bell.
Was he not to be found at his place of work, or lodgings? No, he has disappeared entirely.
As well he might, for it transpires he took the cottage deeds and handed them to strangers, to guarantee a debt.
But we have never been in debt! It is clear to me that yours is an honest and frugal home.
Your son chose a different path and squandered money at gaming.
If Edward is caught, he will be convicted.
The sentence will be transportation, at the very least.
If you would be kind enough to wait outside, Captain Brown, I might conclude by speaking to Miss Bell in private.
Sit down, Peggy.
I can help Edward.
Whether he is found or not, I can clear his way.
It cannot be up to you! You are not his only victim.
His crimes are entirely financial, I have the means to set them straight.
Besides, I charged him with too much, supervised him idly.
How can you still care so much for him? He is a young man.
He deserves a chance to meet the world unhindered.
Sever your connection to my son and I will restore your brother's reputation.
You have given thought to this! How else could you say it all so calmly? It would be wrong of me to offer such a thing in haste.
And just as wrong of me to answer without thinking.
I must ask you to leave now.
I will come to you tomorrow.
Several cigar burns have festered and you'll be scarred.
This will have to be reported.
You can't report prefects.
Why was their behaviour so malicious? They thought I was poor.
Then when Lord Ludlow sends his coach to fetch me, they found out that I was not.
They won't hang you, Edward.
It's not a capital offence.
Do you want me to end up rotting in some prison ship? Do you want me dead of maltreatment or disease? Do not think that you could forgive yourself.
Because your heart would tear in two! Do not even think to talk to me about my heart! And if I go to jail, your name will be tainted, and so will your precious William's too.
It'll be hard enough for him to make his way, without relationship by marriage to a felon such as I.
Mr.
Buxton assures me he has the case in hand.
I could not press him for particulars, but our discourse was neighbourly.
Neighbourly? The problem with you, Brown, is you've gone native.
People do it in the colonies, it ends badly every time! Sir Charles, Cranford is a small town.
I've found good relations with its folk to be invaluable.
The railway is not a small town matter! It cannot be treated in this amiable, rustic manner.
I'm calling out the constables from Missenden.
They will deal with this in the proper, legal way.
I will not give up William, sir.
But I will write to him, and tell him of all that has passed.
- Will you make a villain of me? - No.
Because I believe you love him, just as much as I.
If he should give me up, I shall accept it and trust that you may still do something for my brother.
The constables are at the door, sir! A copy of the warrant for your brother's arrest, signed by Sir Charles Maulver.
I cannot countermand it now.
The law must take its course.
He will have to leave Cheshire and somehow start afresh! Peggy, the magistrates will seek him out.
No, for his own safety, he will have to go abroad.
Abroad? But he does not have good judgement, Mr.
Buxton! He cannot be trusted to find wise friends or sound employment! He's already made ill by greed and his own weakness.
He would be at risk of even greater harm abroad and if I do not help him, I will be as much the author of his fate as he! What will you do? Go with him.
Out of England.
Try and set him on a decent path.
- You are not his keeper, Peggy.
- I am his only hope.
There will be a list in here, telling of the ships that sail from Liverpool.
And what of your engagement to my son? We are tested already, sir.
And we have not wavered.
I do not relish dragging you into our sad affairs, Miss Matty.
I have to act in secret.
William must not know.
But when I'm gone, if you can see that he receives this, I will thank you for eternity.
You were gone a long time.
I thought you'd be hungry.
That was very thoughtful, Harry.
Reverend Hutton wrote to your headmaster, in uncompromising terms.
He's since been assured that the violence towards you will cease and has therefore arranged for your return to school tomorrow.
You've made it worse! I'm not going back.
You do not have a choice, Harry.
You must acquire an education.
If you do not, you cannot build a school in Cranford and that was Mr.
Carter's particular desire.
He promised me my liberty and now he's my jailer.
Canada? Canada? You said you had a scheme to help him! What is the difference between this and transportation? He will not travel in shackles, nor be indentured to labour in a desert without pay! And he will have me with him.
I cannot credit that you would leave me here alone.
Mother, you must try to match me! You must strive to bear this.
It is Mr.
Buxton.
We must hurry.
This shirt is almost ruined.
The seam is very frayed.
I'm not sure my repair is neat enough for school.
I have to have six shirts.
The matron says so.
I'll go back to Johnson's.
They'll have a stock of plain-white lawn.
Gentleman, I do not like to disturb you, but but I am in search of Mr.
William Buxton.
Good lass, Bess.
You're a good lass.
Peggy When you get to the docks, go directly to the Red Star offices.
You have my letterhead.
Here are the funds.
I thought little of you once.
I wonder now whether you're not braver and better than I took you for.
Boarding! Go.
Boarding! You must make haste if you wish to intercept the train.
I am in your debt, Miss Matty.
Where have you concealed the purse? I'm not telling you.
I wonder if there's enough money for us to go first class on the boat? No-one in steerage would be of any use to us.
I took warm gruel to Bessie on the common! But she wasn't there! Miss Pole! She isn't in.
Pray do not cut us! Captain Brown is at his work.
- We need your aid! - My poor Bessie is in peril! Miss Matty? Whatever are you about? No! Peggy! Peggy! Peggy! Edward! Is Peggy with you? Out of my way! Peggy! Peggy! Peggy, can you hear me? William? Take my hand! Quickly! Reach for me! I have you! - My hand - Listen to me, Peggy I fear it has been cut I shall ease you to the ground as best I can.
Then make haste, away from the wreckage.
I will come and find you, but for now, I must help the others.
Harness the water wagons! We need ropes! Make haste, make haste! Mens' lives may be at stake! Bring those shovels! Let me take charge of the purse.
Edward! What are you doing? Edward! Edward! Go directly to the town barn! The injured can be tended there! These are serious matters! Please remain calm! Allow us to assist those most in need! Mr.
Johnson.
I thank you for attending, sir.
I fear there's work for you to do.
I came as soon as I heard.
- Reverend Hutton! - Madam" Harry made off again this evening! I cannot know where he went, or by what means he left Capitain Brown, are all your passengers accounted for? There was a list made and no-one is missing.
I was told my son was near the blast He is here, sir.
- Does he survive? - Yes.
- William.
- But my brother does not.
What have I brought about? Sir, your place is with your son.
Other offices, you may leave to me.
Miss Matty.
Oh! You're chilled to the bone.
Let me sit you by my fire.
Thank you, my dear.
But I will stay with Mr.
Buxton.
I must make whatever amends I can.
Miss Galindo? Will you assist me? I do not know what I might uncover.
You are fortunate, Peggy.
The bleeding is already staunched.
I must bind it afresh and you must drink some brandy.
Peggy, where did you find this shirt? Harry! Harry! Harry! Harry! Harry! Reverend Hutton! We are come too late.
The rider's left for Manchester.
We hope the surgeon will be here by dawn.
Peggy broke her promise to me.
It was not Peggy who alerted William.
It was I.
You once said I should beg for your forgiveness and now I do.
It's my son who lies shattered, Matty.
And mine are the hands that bear most blood.
He should not have died alone.
And should not have lived believing himself to be so! No.
It is unjust.
It is worse than unjust! It is against the laws of nature! Do you recollect, Peter, how hard our father tried to make you learn the classics? I recall more of his frustration than I do of the classics themselves.
Please sit down, Matty.
You are overtaxed.
I did my utmost to assist you! I spent hour after hour hearing you repeat your lessons! It cannot matter now.
There was one tale that lingered in my mind.
To this day, I retain some fragmentary portion it concerned a girl who dwelt in a place where no discord had ever been experienced.
She was given charge of a capacious casket and she was told she must not remove the lid.
But her better judgement failed her and she unfastened its catch and all the furies of the universe came pouring out, like flies.
I think you speak the legend of Pandora.
I do not recall her name.
But I am acquainted with her face.
I might see it any time I wish to, in the looking glass! The snow melts on his lashes as if they were still warm.
A mirror Have you a mirror? No There is breath in him! Harry! We must get him back to town.
He is not lost! Harry! Do you hear us now? You are not alone! We will not let you die! You've not slept.
I have slept enough.
I know that the railway will still come.
It cannot be turned back.
I wanted it brought, because of things that I had lost.
I desired that others might be spared distress.
And I unleashed griefs as pernicious as the beasts inside that box! - I will hear no more of this, dear Matty.
- I'm afraid you must.
For in the darkness of the small hours, I recollected the conclusion of the tale.
After the anguish, there was one winged creature found secreted in a corner.
It was very small and could relieve the sting of wounds.
They named it Hope.
I have a sum of money here.
It is the profit from my shop.
It came from the people of Cranford.
I shall spend it in a way that will draw us all together.
- Mr.
Buxton's not at home.
- Is William at home? I'm not permitted to say.
This is for him.
My dear.
Is the inquiry into the accident completed? The Board Of Trade ruled no-one was to blame.
That is a good outcome, is it not? It is good for the company, our recovery will be swift.
I'm not sure that I can say the same for Cranford.
Did Mr.
Carter ever come here? Did he ever sit and watch you sewing? Once.
And it was then that I saw what a splendid man he was.
There were only two people I ever saw him smile at.
One was me.
And the other one was you.
It is less besmirched than I imagined.
I think it will clean quite well.
I am sure it can be revived by Christmas.
Nevertheless.
We have set ourselves quite a task.
The walls were the colour of salmon once, though it cannot be discerned under this horrid dirt.
Oughtn't the ceiling to be plastered over first? You know the task with which you are charged, dear.
I have appointed you Master Of Revels.
Paint, pink.
Considerable quantity.
The paint was not pink, it was umber over buff.
You will not fare well without my assistance.
Indeed.
There's a deal of work to do.
And now I suppose we must endeavour to be helpmeets.
Christmas Eve, Signor Brunoni, Magician to the King of Delhi, the Rajah of Oude, and the Great Lama of Tibet.
And for every continent, another half-sovereign is added to his bill.
Pray speak not of the cost.
It seems little to pay, to bring us all beneath one roof.
I could perform tricks, and not charge a farthing.
It is all in here, under C, for Conjuring.
Four more cards have been sent in acceptance.
"The cup is A, the ball is B, B is placed under A "and does not disappear but is instead transferred "into the sleeve, which is labelled as C.
" It is not magic, it is mere rearrangement of the alphabet.
And Mrs.
Jamieson has declined.
In extremely acid terms.
I cannot sanction that marriage nor disport myself where its existence is accepted.
Long mourning has been your portion.
It must cost you dear, to see Lady Glenmire remarry in such haste.
It is as though now Captain Brown has brought us the locomotive engine, everything must move at the pace of a stampede.
It shows a lack of solidarity with others who are widowed.
Ours is a fond little town.
You might bring me news of it, from time to time.
I am too torpid to venture out now.
You need only company, I wager.
I can arrange for that.
Mr.
Buxton? I did not restore him just to break him down.
William never waivered in his love for you.
It's time to build.
Erminia! I came home to help nurse the invalid.
But I was not required.
My uncle was a most meticulous attendant.
Come.
I will take you to him.
William? - Have you seen the gorse? - There was not a flower to be had.
I should not have plucked it otherwise.
The poor twigs look so stark.
Miss Matty once told me that there was a saying "When gorse is out of blossom, "then kissing is out of fashion.
" This room is so warm that they mistake the month for spring.
And one of them bears a single golden bud.
- Madam! - Signor Brunoni! You have mislaid your way, perhaps? Not in the least.
I am surprised you leave your properties on view, you'll betray all the tricks of your trade.
Fancy, I was in search of my glove, and there it was, in my hand all the meanwhile! If madam will permit I suppose that is merely a development of the classical trick with the cup and the ball.
The glove being A and the - dove being B? - No.
It is magic.
I daresay there is a pocket hidden in your coat-tail.
Look in your reticule.
In your reticule.
Faith.
It is the key to all things.
I have seen Signor Brunoni from the distance of a hair's breadth.
I think it proper sunburn.
Had it been walnut juice I was close enough to smell it.
Look.
Mary sent me a Christmas gift, from a milliner's in London.
It is a turban, in sea-green silk.
She knows how long I have wanted such a thing.
There was further novelty, to be found concealed inside the box.
She has had a story published in the Fireside Sketch.
Story? "Miss M.
Smith.
" How very imposing it looks in print.
And to think she is practically from Cranford.
Still, the subject matter looks exceedingly domestic.
She should write a romance, about a conjuror.
There will not be another post today.
I'd so hoped to hear from Jem and baby Tilly.
This was a different house last year.
Harry, we have a Christmas gift for you.
Do not look for something wrapped in paper and a ribbon.
You will not go back to that school.
But what about my education? We have made enquiries at the Grammar School in Manchester.
The boys there are as varied and interesting as you.
And you could study, and live, at home.
But I have no home.
I was left a small stipend by Lady Ludlow.
If we join our means together, we might take a house hard by your classrooms.
And I would be there when you return each night.
They are not the arrangements that Mr.
Carter made.
Mr.
Carter would approve of them, because they will allow you to flourish.
And that was all he ever had in mind.
Merry Christmas, Mrs.
Forrester.
This is for you.
She's so beautiful! Shall I sit there? - Good evening, Mr.
Buxton.
- Sir Charles.
What? She came! Mrs.
Jamieson, may I have the pleasure of presenting Mrs.
Brown.
Merry Christmas, Mrs.
Jamieson.
And a one, two, and a three, and a four! Grazie, grazie! You are right.
It is surely all a ruse? Abracadabra! Hey! The key! - Come.
- No, no Come.
Come! Madam.
The celestial box! No, I don't think I should If you please, dear madam.
Pray to come and join me here.
Dear, Miss Matty, allow me to escort you to the stage.
Madam, please, to extend your hand.
And now a moment of light.
As it was when the world began.
Try the lock, and all will be revealed.
My love! My little love! My Tilly! Who brought you here? We've come home, Miss Matty.
Home for Christmas? Home for good.
What's happened to Miss Pole? Patience! Ta-da! Bravo.
I do believe, Mr.
Buxton, we have danced a waltz.
In Cranford! How can a town survive so much? Love, Mr.
Buxton.
It is the final word.